Ok, I've set my sights on a 64 proof with cameo. I won't link to any active auctions, but there are a number of BIN offerings on eBay right now that are within my means. I intend for the piece to go into my Dansco album, and I'd like to eventually collect proofs with as much cameo contrast as possible. Do you gurus have any advice for me? What would you be happy paying for a nice 64 proof cameo? I notice a number of coins in GSA slabs - are they even remotely credible? The cameos in the slabs look good to my eyes...
Kenndy Proof's in GSA Slabs? Ya lost me. As for purchasing a raw Kennedy Half Cameo coin, be very careful in what premium is paid since the right lighting technique can produce a CAMEO effect when no cameo exists at all. Here's a good example: None of the coins above was actually a CAMEO. Another thing to consider with Proof Coins is the fact that hairlines are difficult to detect on a proof coin "given the right camera angle". What I would suggest, is in purchasing an already slabbed CAMEO or DEEP CAMEO Kennedy Proof at current market rates and then carefully cracking it out of the slab for inclusion in your Dansco. A PR67CAM might set you back between $60 and $80 but you can be assured of the Cameo Status. A DEEP CAMEO Kennedy Proof will cost a bit more and I'd never crack out a Deep Cameo Proof for my Dansco as the risk of accidently hairlining it is pretty good.
Another thing to consider is going to a coin show and actually looking at 1964 Kennedy Proof Sets. There's a ton of them out there and some have some really nice coins.
I am guessing that what he means my "GSA" is this type of nonsense: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-PROOF-CAMEO-GEM-KENNEDY-90-SILVER-US-COIN-GREAT-LOOKING-NO-TONING-aa51-/150969113846?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item232675dcf6 "Remotely credible"? Lets put it this way.... it is about as credible as a handwritten grade on a cardboard/mylar 2x2 flip.
Thanks Lyds - I was suspicious about the lighting issue. I wouldn't crack out a DCAM even if I could afford it - sounds like something that belongs in the slab for protection.
Well, look at it this way, http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1171&lotNo=4189 If you cannot see the sale price, it was $1,495. Here's another one which sold for $2,300 http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1139&lotNo=1273 These are "reputably" graded coins. How about Teletrade? http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1139&lotNo=1273 http://www.teletrade.com/coins/lot.asp?auction=3087&lot=1651 Got it figured out now?
Well, yes. I wasn't expecting a coin out of a GSA slab to get the same grade from PCGS, and I was aware of the general price range of PR66+DCAMS from legitimate TPG's. I was just hoping that one of those coins might have an album-suitable cameo. But I'm taking your advice and passing altogether. I think I would be able to pick one of the GSA-graded coins out for my collection IF I could see them in hand, but your point about the lighting is well-taken. I've switched my hunt to PCGS/NGC slabs with a cameo designation - still within my budget.
OH MY GOD! I bought a "GSA" graded coin, a 1964 pf 69 accent hair half dollar, I cracked out, think that the hairlines were on the holder. But NOOOOOOOOOO. They were on the coin. PF 60. GSA is a ripoff. I wasn't very knowledgeable then, so I bought it.
